Buffalo Bills News - October 19, 2001

Bills report card [5:09 AM]D and C reports:
'All those seasons coaching for Tennessee against Jacksonville in the AFC Central paid off for Gregg Williams, who earned his first career win. Had a strong game plan to find the openings in Jaguars' secondary and defensively juggled his lineup to create a spark. He and his staff were rewarded for nine tireless months on the job.'

Beat up and down [4:49 AM]Florida Times Union reports:
'"It's a low point for me personally, professionally and every other way," coach Tom Coughlin said.'

Crowd boos Brunell [4:48 AM]Florida Times Union reports:
'Mark Brunell's head was ringing again last night. Only this time, it was from the boos.'

Defensive turnaround [4:46 AM]Florida Times Union reports:
'"We did our job tonight," cornerback Ken Irvin said. "The last couple of games, the defense hasn't been doing what they were told to do. We were able to regroup after they scored their only touchdown, whereas sometimes in the past we would crumble."'

Jaguars' play deserved to be blacked out [4:45 AM]Florida Times Union reports:
'While the rest of the nation was able to watch the Jaguars and Bills on ESPN, people in Jacksonville got a black screen. As it turned out, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing.'

Who let air out of passing attack? [4:44 AM]Florida Times Union reports:
'Brunell attempted 26 passes against the Bills and only two -- both on the team's lone touchdown drive -- gained at least 15 yards.'

Jaguars notebook [4:43 AM]Florida Times Union reports:
'The Bills came in threatening the NFL record for fewest sacks in a season, but the Jaguars made them look like a collection of Bruce Smiths last night. Buffalo had just five sacks combined in its first four games, all of them losses. The Bills nearly matched their season total in the first half alone against Jacksonville, sacking Mark Brunell twice before intermission. Buffalo didn't stop there, though, adding two more sacks in the second half.'

To Bullet, with love [4:41 AM]Florida Times Union reports:
'Walk-up ticket sales were down last night compared to the previously blacked-out game at Alltel Stadium when Cleveland came to town. About 700 walk-up tickets were sold, said Jaguars Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bill Prescott. About 2,000 walk-up tickets were sold before the Browns game, which was played during the afternoon.'

Game report [4:40 AM]Florida Times Union reports:
'Turning Point - Early in the fourth quarter, with the Jaguars trailing 10-7, they lined up for a 27-yard field goal. Holder Chris Hanson couldn't handle a high snap from Joe Zelenka and it resulted in a 26-yard loss. Though the Jaguars wound up tying the game later, the missed three points proved to be a difference-maker in the end.'

Bills break into the win column [12:59 AM]WKBW reports:
The Buffalo Bills broke a four-game losing streak with a last-minute, 46-yard, clutch kick by Jake Arians to down the Jacksonville Jaguars, 13-10. Arians had previously missed two field goal attempts out of three earlier in the game, but he came through to lift the spirits of the Bills with his dramatic finish.

Buffalo finally finds victory vs. Jaguars [12:55 AM]The Sporting News reports:
Week 6 gets off to an early start, and the Bills get into the win column with a 13-10 victory over the hapless Jaguars. Buffalo QB Rob Johnson leads a fourth-quarter drive that culminates in Jake Arians go-ahead field goal with 1:03 to play. Travares Tillman's interception seals the victory

Buffalo 13, Jacksonville 10 [12:53 AM]Sportsticker reports:
'"Hopefully, this will springboard us the rest of the season," said Johnson, who completed 23-of-30 for 238 yards and a touchdown. "The first one is always the toughest, especially with how young we are and how banged up we are. Once you get one, you prove you can win."'

Offense/Defense stats [12:44 AM]NFL.com reports:
'A TD for RJ, a sack by Williams, Schobel, Foreman & Flowers, Moulds leading receivers with 60 yards and a TD. Irvin caught a spectacular interception (upheld by instant replay) and Tillman caught one as well to end the game. The defense front four were without Hansen and Larsen but pressure was constant on Brunell. The WCO was efficient and ball was spread out well with Centers, Moulds, Riemersma and Henry all getting multiple balls. Pity anyone who chose to start Brunell in their fantasy football league.'

Bills 13, Jaguars 10 [12:26 AM]AP reports:
'Arians had missed field goals of 41 and 39 yards, but coach Gregg Williams didn't hesitate to put the game on his foot [Bills were currently tied with Jaguars] on fourth-and-inches. The kick sailed through and Arians jumped into the arms of Dan O'Leary, who carried him halfway to the sideline.'

Phillips awarded remainder of salary [12:19 AM]AP reports:
'"Naturally, I'm disappointed in a ruling that awards money to Wade Phillips for his departure from the Bills," Bills owner Ralph Wilson said before the team's game in Jacksonville, Fla. "Phillips claims he was fired. I reject that. He forced his dismissal with unreasonable behavior."'

Johnson leads Bills past Jaguars 13-10 [12:09 AM]NFL.com reports:
While the Buffalo Bills are rebuilding, it's hard to tell what the Jacksonville Jaguars are up to. Jake Arians missed two FGs early but made the last one in the clutch and the defense stopped Brunell final effort with an interception.

October 18, 2001

Bills QB Johnson puts it together vs. Jags [11:58 PM]CBS Sportsline reports:
Wade Phillips finally put away the voodoo doll, as the arbitrator awarded him the remainder of his 2001 salary owed by Ralph Wilson. On the same night, the Bills collected their first victory of the season.

Around the Carolinas, he is also the answer to a great Panthers trivia question. Metzelaars was the first Panther to score a touchdown, hauling in an 8-yard TD pass from former Bill Frank Reich during Carolina’s inaugural season.

Now his son, Anthony Metzelaars, is putting up numbers in Charlotte that will make him the answer to future trivia questions. The younger Metzelaars QBs Charlotte Christian, where his father serves as OC of the football team and as assistant athletics director. Like his father, Anthony is finding much success on the football field.

Bills, Jags regroup after respite [10:02 AM]ESPN reports:
Warning: Joe Theismann ahead, some people like coffee others hate it.
GM Tom Donahoe made the right decision to release Flutie and keep Johnson because the West Coast style suits Johnson more than Flutie. But the problem is that Johnson isn't getting rid of the ball quickly enough. If he can make decisions, learn the offense and survive the season, he will be fine -- and so will the Bills.

Bills will be a test for Jags [9:54 AM]ESPN reports:
Based on the records of the two teams, the Jaguars should be able to get back on track. Tony Brackens will be back to help the Jaguars' defense.

But the Bills are a desperate team with good skill-position players. The Bills' defense has been marred by injury, especially to LB Cowart, their best player. They have been close several times to putting things together. Under new head coach Williams, the Bills are really struggling with the system and getting everyone on the same page. The young coaching staff is just taking a little longer than other staffs to get a pulse on its personnel. That's what they are struggling with. I don't expect Buffalo to be an easy test for the Jaguars.

ESPN first-quarter report card [9:47 AM]ESPN reports:
QB Johnson holds onto the ball too long and can't finish games because of injuries. Salary cap problems forced them to dismantle a 3-4 defense that could stuff the run. The Bills have fallen to the bottom of the league. First-year coach Williams hasn't won over his veterans so far with his aggressive style of coaching.
Grade: F (only F in AFC)
NOTE: Ruben Brown did make all AFC team

Jaguar receivers awaken Bills' deep thoughts [9:08 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'Jacksonville boasts the player who has the most catches and receiving yards in the NFL over the past five years - Jimmy Smith. Containing Smith, receiving partner Keenan McCardell and quarterback Mark Brunell figures to be a key to the Bills' chances of getting their first win of the year in the nationally televised game at Alltel Stadium.'

Gaining a foothold [9:08 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'Taking over for Chris Mohr, perhaps the best punter in franchise history, Moorman is the AFC's second-ranked punter at 48.1 yards behind Denver's Tom Rouen (48.9). The Bills' single-season record is 44.5 by Paul Maguire in 1969.'